Young activists are tackling the disappearance of traditional aboriginal languages using a unique learning method
“If our language dies, then our identity as a nation does,” according to Squamish Nation member Dustin Rivers. Dustin recently told the Straight that land, culture, and rights don’t have meaning in the absence of traditional language. The 20-year-old activist, artist, and writer is part of a group behind the Save Your Language Conference, to be held June 5 and 6 in Vancouver.
Participants at the conference will learn the Where Are Your Keys? system, developed by Evan Gardner. The WAYK game system is a comprehensive method for revitalizing endangered languages and skills.
We speak with Willem Larsen of WAYK, from Portland, and with Dustin Rivers, who joins us from Vancouver.
